Built my father-in-law a rod, which he requested a crosswrap. I've never done one, but it came out pretty nice as I'm still a newbie. Trouble I'm having is securing both ends of this crosswrap. I had to double the thread to "hide" some of the frays which were cut, but it just made the ends bulky. Any suggestions on how I can or could minimize the bulky look and have a nice transition?

Deleted response because I misunderstood the original posters problem.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/02/2014 11:24AM by John E Powell.

Per Dale Clemons book years ago I wrap my end wraps working out from both ends of the wrap. I use a lot of tight pressure to start. after 5 to 10 revolutions I begin to cut away the ends of the wraps at an angle cutting away from the wrap. I alternate cutting and wrapping and eventually get down to bare blank. It helps to coat the cross with color preserver first and let it sit a day. This makes the wrap somewhat stay in place.

I used A thread on this wrap and I doubled the trim wraps at the end of the crosswrap as there were a bunch of cut threads that I couldn't hide under a single layer trim wrap. I did not think about cutting in small increments while wrapping the trim portion, which may help eliminating the bulky look. I appreciate y'all's help. Thank you. FYI, the rod is a 6'6 ML action

Marc its hard to explain what I am talking about in the cutting method but it works really well and gives a very smooth and professional look to the locking wraps. No bulky look at all. Perhaps some of the other guys can explain it better then me. I know when doing multiple weave layors you almost have to do my method or end up with a big thick mess. There are other tricks such as the popsicle sticks and double sided carpet tape but it all comes down to the same method. Guys help me out here.

Don't cut the ends all at once. Cut a few on each revolution of your tie-off wrap. This smooths the transition and eliminates the tendency to have any sort of high edge to hide.

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Start the tie off and work your way to the end. After you have it started increase the thread tension every 5 turns or so. Once you have it secured (for me I like about 1/4" ) then I will cut the threads at an angle starting near the tie off thread and increasing the cut off threads in length. This will provide a smoother transition for the tie off thread. After cutting the threads and before you wrap them take your burnishing tool and flatten or fray the the cut thread ends. This will also make for a smoother transition. I usually have a 1" tie off on my rods with I'm finish, this will depend on the rod diameter.

I hope this helps.

It indeed helped. Very grateful for your help. Thank you gentlemen.